Flushing at pontoon

[chriscraft]

My RIB spends most of its time when not at sea at a pontoon - there is no ramp at the marina. Can anyone advise best way to freshwater flush while at the pontoon. Engines are Honda BF90Ds. I have the hose flushing connector which fits direct to the engine, but am not sure with this attached whether the engine still sucks water up through lower leg. If so this is a waste of time. And I guess the engine shouldn't be flushed while tilted - this might affect the oil flow??

[m chappelow]

a big canvas sail bag / kit bag or the like so that you can slip over the prop and leg and lash it high up ,fill with fresh water and run ,,,dont put it in gear though .lol,,,

[9D280]

Welcome to Ribnet!

How often do you use the boat? If frequently, I have heard three dealers independently say that O/Bs used daily in salt water & never flushed are usually as salt free as any run in fresh water.

Ref. the flushing connection - would Honda be able to answer that question?

Failing that a set of muffs fitted up, then wind it down to flush? You may need to bend the muffs' bar a bit to keep it firmly in place on the way down.

[jambo]

Hi and welcome

I like agree with 9D280. I cruise in the open sea and use both methods depending on my usage if it is regular I will give it a blast thru the inlet valve, but if I am away fro a while or winter layup I will use muffs for about 20/25 mins to make sure the fresh water gets right thru the system.
Hope this helps.

J

[Erin]

I'm not sure you would run the engine whilst the hose is attached to the flushing port. I think you just turn on the water and let it run for a while.

[ScotSeats]

Originally Posted by Erin

I'm not sure you would run the engine whilst the hose is attached to the flushing port. I think you just turn on the water and let it run for a while.

I have always been let to believe that you cannot run water through the inlet port without the engine running and that you are ment to start the engine before turning the hose on.

[NautiSeacrets]

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228395


What is the definitive answer?

[treerat]

On the dive boat we only ever flush it through with the engine off via the wash plug.

I suppose you should be able to hand pump some fresh water through now and again to clean through if left on the mooring??

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by ScotSeats

I have always been let to believe that you cannot run water through the inlet port without the engine running and that you are ment to start the engine before turning the hose on.

IMHO that is all wrong!

The thermostat will close below a certain temperature, so it won't clear out the whole engine, but you can run the hose before starting the engine - the water will leave the engine the same way as if it was pumped round.

If you start the engine without the water on the impeller's life will be shortened by the extra friction - of that I am quite sure.

Just out of interest where did you get this information from? Any manual for an outboard I have ever seen says the opposite!

[Cypman]

My understanding is that the flushing point can be used with the engine raised but definately NOT RUNNING (as not enough water gets to the impeller! to lubricate it!)
I have utilised muffs under water and they work fine (with the engine running).